Alan McNally has raised the stakes in Europe by taunting Malmo that they are 'no world beaters'.

And the defender now dares to dream as he reckons Drogheda United can put another rocket up the Swedes by toppling them in their own backyard on Thursday.

But McNally is also wary of not losing sight of the more immediate task of avoiding a sixth straight league defeat when they host bottom-of-the-table Shelbourne tomorrow.

Drogs boss Mick Cooke wanted the game postponed ahead of their Swedish jaunt but McNally said: "You have to relish it as we've kept two clean sheets in all competitions now.

"It was the complete opposite not that long ago after losing five in-a-row in the league so when you're on a run you want the games to come thick and fast.

"We're looking forward to playing Shelbourne and I don't think it's a distraction at all. It'll be tough but it'll keep us going and keep us focused.

"But while a return to winning ways in the league is paramount, McNally reckons Drogheda have every chance of progressing to a Europa League showdown with Pat Fenlon's Hibernian.

Malmo dominated the early exchanges in Tallaght on Thursday before Drogheda turned the tables and carved out the better chances despite finishing under the cosh with just 10-men.

McNally said: "They probably thought they got an easy tie and just had to turn up. But we were well drilled and knew what to expect. It would really put it up to them if we could score over there. That would make it a right good tie."

And the centre back, who missed most of the season up until now because of knee surgery, added: "We read the papers and people were writing us off, so that spurs you on.

"We saw bits of Malmo on DVD but you still don't really know how good or how poor they're going to be. They're a good side but once we got our work rate up, we put it up to them.

"We saw them play against Hacken and they played similarly to what they played on Thursday. They like to keep the ball and move it but not with any great pace until they get into the final third.

"They do little intricate passing then and that's when you have to be on your guard. But I think it'll be a similar game over there. Hacken broke three times against them and scored three times to win 3-1.

"So I feel the game next week is set up for us to score an away goal. We're feeling confident after Thursday's result as we know what we're up against and by no means are they world beaters."

A second round clash with SPL Hibs is the carrot for the winner and McNally said: "We want to pit our wits against Hibs and Pat Fenlon but that's only if we progress. First it's all about Shels."